Being afraid of extreme cold weather is a natural thing. Most people have the tendency to stay indoors next to the wood burning stove when the temperatures dip into the sub-zero ranges. But, some of us enjoy the challenges of facing the extremes—a Man against Nature challenge. Most people think that I’m nuts when they hear that I’m heading 150 miles into the Northern interior of Alaska. Sometimes I believe them too…

Nonetheless; being out there in the thick of winter is both a way to test my gear, and myself. It allows me the quiet time that I need to recharge myself, and the opportunity to get my survival mind-set used to the frigid weather.

But it starts at home through meticulous selection of the gear that I will be trusting to keep me safe…

Clothing:

Base Layer:

Fleece (Stretch) Union Suit

Polypropylene Socks

Thermax Sock Liner

Polypropylene T-Shirt

Mid Layer:

Wool Pants

Wool Pull-Over Sweater

Polar-Tec Insulated Jacket

Outer Layer:

Gortex Parka

Gortex Gaiters

Gortex Gloves

Fleece Face Mask

Fleece Watch Cap

Snow Goggles

Cold Weather (Bunny) Boots

The list above includes everything that I wear. It looks like a lot of clothing, but in reality, it is three layers that help to trap body heat, and keep the cold wind, as well as the wet snow from the “creeping chill” that signals the start of hypothermia.

Choosing my gear is very important. If my life will depend on a piece of equipment, or clothing, you can be assured that a lot of thought has went into it, before I lay down my money. The Parka is one such piece of gear that is essential. I don’t play around when choosing what Cold Weather Parka.

Snag proof Zippers

Multiple Inner-Pockets

Multiple Outer Pocket

Draw String Waist

Snow Skirt

Adjustable Collar That Reaches To The Nose

Fur Trimmed Hood

Nylon Sleeve Skirt: (Keeps the snow and wind off the wrists)

Waterproof (Not Water Resistant)

Armpit Venting Zippers

The multiple inner-pocket hold the survival gear that I consider essential out in the cold weather.

Extra Insulated Socks are layered in both (large) lower pockets. Having them rolled-up creates unwanted bulk, so I keep one sock in each pocket. It reduced the bulk; most times it’s easy to forget about them until they are needed.

Extra Cell-Phone Battery is stored in one of the upper zippered pockets. The battery is wrapped in wool, and then placed inside of a small zip-lock bag. The wool helps to protect the connections from snapping, and in a pinch, the wool can also be used as an emergency fire starter. The zip-lock bag can be used to melt snow for water.

A Mini-Flashlight is kept in another chest pocket. During the Alaska winter months there isn’t much daylight. The sun rises about 10:30 AM, and stats setting around 3:30 PM. By 4:30 it is already dark. Having a flashlight handy is a blessing.

Disposable Lighter & Waterproof Matches are likewise stored in a zip-lock bag inside of the Parka.

In one of the upper-pockets an Emergency Blanket rides along in case I am forced to hunker-down and get warm. I carry both the standard blanket, and the Emergency Space Bag. Both are essential survival gear that I don’t want to get separated from.

Zipper-Pull Mini-Compass and Temperature Gauge complete the ensemble. Sometimes it’s beneficial to know what the temperature is, and during darkness or white-out conditions, the little compass might help to determine travel direction. But, during a blizzard, hunkering-down is the only way to survive. It’s easy to get lost out there, or walk right off the edge of a cliff, or stumble into an ice filled stream.

A small Water Bottle that is kept half-filled rides near my chest. Keeping it half-filled insures that in the event that I fall down, the water bottle isn’t crushed, and end’s up exploding inside of the parka. Keeping it next to my chest insures that it doesn’t freeze.

A pair of Extra Gloves are not only an essential item, but a part of the survival gear. Gloves get wet, or ripped open on sharp ice. Having a spare set of gloves insures that my time out in the woods is uneventful.

Oftentimes a few granola bars, and chocolate bars are stashed away in the pockets for added energy during the arduous trek across the frozen landscape.

Peppermint candies gives a little energy boost. A few soft tissues will help to defray the “runny nose” problems that are associated with cold weather. Soft Berber Fleece works really good, as does pieces of Marino Wool from worn out clothing.

Having quality Cold Weather Boots is paramount to survival out there in the snow country. I prefer the military “Bunny” boots. They are rated to –60 below zero. Topped-off with a set of gortex gaiters to keep the snow out from the top of the boots—keeps my feet in good condition.

Tinted Snow Goggles are also a must out there. The sun reflecting off of the snow can quickly create conditions called “snow blindness”. Blowing snow, or ice-fog are likewise deflected by the goggles.

Basic Survival Equipment:

Rucksack/Backpack

Cold Weather Sleeping Bag

Gortex Bivy Cover

Sleeping (Ground) Pad

Folding Stove w/ Heat Tabs

Canteen Cup

Arctic Canteen, w/ Carrier

Eating Utensils

Ka-Bar Knife

Sharpening Steel

Leatherman Multi-Tool

Toilet Paper

Fire Making Kit

Parachute Cord

8′ x 8′ Canvas Tarp

Chemical Lights

Chemical Heat Packs

3-Piece Mess Kit

Individual First Aid Kit

Lensatic Compass

Waterproof Map Case

Lip Balm

Complete Change of Clothing

Small Thermos Bottle

Water Purification Tablets

Poncho

The one thing that I always try to keep in mind when I am out there, is that weight can be the enemy. Humping around a heavy backpack means that walking in the snow requires more effort. Minimal gear which fulfills the requirements for cold weather survival is the only way to go. The added space in the backpack is filled with extra food.

Food Supplies:

Instant Oatmeal

Instant Coffee

Instant Soup

Hot Chocolate

Tea Bags

Raisins

Dried Pineapples

M&M (Crushed) Candies and mixed with Brown Sugar

Emergen-C Vitamin Drink

Sugar Packs

Non-Dairy Creamer Packs

Salt Packs

Pepper Packs

Mountain House Freeze Dried Scrambled Eggs & Peppers

Mountain House Freeze Dried Chili Mac

Mountain House Freeze Dried Beef Stroganoff

MRE Wheat Bread

MRE Crackers

MRE Peanut Butter

MRE Jelly

Emergency Gear:

SPOT-Satellite “Messenger”

Arial Signaling Flares

Signaling Whistle

Orange Signaling Smoke Markers

Fluorescent Orange Marker Panel

When I am “just playing” out in the woods; there’s always a chance that I could get myself into serious trouble. Being alone out there when the temperatures are 30-50 degrees below zero, can mean death if a broken ankle, or deep laceration occurs. Having and extra cell-phone battery is alright as long as there is a signal, but most times there isn’t a tower nearby. The SPOT Satellite device works wonders. It’s easy to summon assistance. But once the search and rescue airplanes are overhead, you have to help them find you. Orange panels, smoke bombs, and signal flares will make it easier for SAR to get to you. All of these items can be wrapped inside of an old Blaze Orange hunting vest, and then secured with rubber bands.

The biggest quandary out there in the survival world is trying to decide what to do, when to do it, and how to get it done.

But sometimes I think that some survivalists have a tendency to eat the desert before the dinner. By that I mean, there’s so much work being put into sustaining life AFTER an event, that little thought is given to actually surviving the event itself.

When a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or tsunami strikes, the last thing that people are going to be worrying about is what’s gonna’ happen tomorrow. They are going to be focused on getting through the horrific events staring them right in their face—Survival.

Survival means getting out of harms way, having a survival plan in place, and the tenacity to carry it out.

Sustainability comes into play when the immediate danger has passed, and the focus is on a long term solution to the problems created by the event.

The survival movement is blessed to have so many knowledgeable people within it’s ranks. People from around the globe are preparing for the end in many different ways. Some are prepping by storing large quantities of food; others by honing their primitive survival skills. Both are vital in nearly any crisis event. They go hand in hand like twin sisters.

In a reality based survival scenario; the primary function should always be to save lives. The continuation of the individual or family should be the upper priority. This comes about as a result of meticulous planning, and ardently clinging to the the fundamental understanding that life can be swept away in a blink of an eye. All preparations should then be directed towards that one single goal: Saving Lives.

Knowing how to trap animals, build fires, or set-up a bush shelter does little good when humanity has all but been erased from the face of the globe. Even on a local scale; the immediate concern should be directed towards sustaining one’s life until the next sun rise.

Taking this, one step closer to reality; it’s easy to see that without a survival plan that takes into account the immediate threats; there’s little hope of making it through the night unless preparations have been undertaken:

Over-The-Horizon / Advance Warning Capability

Reliable Emergency Alert / Notification System

Bullet-Proof Radio Communications Network

Evacuation Routes that have been identified, marked, and traveled—as well as many other alternate routes.

Rally Points, as well as alternate meet-up areas.

Supply Caches that provide essential food, gear, clothing, and other equipment, in case family members arrive with only the clothes on their backs.

Provisions for medical treatment.

Convoy Security Preparations.

Established Safe Areas able to sustain everyone in the family or group.

Plans for Long Term sustainability such as food, fuel, security, and the perpetuity of the family or group.

The most important element is to understand that doing this alone is foolish. In a worst case scenario, there will be people out there that will not hesitate to take another’s life for a can of beans. People that are unprepared for this eventuality will suddenly find themselves facing well-armed violent people, or small bands of thugs. Being alone out there places everyone in the family in immediate danger. At some point, mistakes will be made, the survival camp will be found, and the reality of not taking the time to counter this threat will be driven home in a hail of bullets. Aloneness is a quaint idea, but being alone out there when SHTF is a deadly situation that cannot be minimized or ignored.

Imagine a world where everything just went “Deep South”; and society has all but collapsed. Imagine yourself trying to live off the land to feed the family and keep them safe. Your life will be in constant danger. Other survivalists and criminals will be doing the exact same thing that you are doing. Building campfires to smoke fish, setting up traps and snares, or shooting the survival guns—will alert others to your presence. Don’t make the stupid assumption that you alone can hold off a small band of armed thugs. Outnumbered and outgunned, it’s very likely that you will either be driven away from your camp, or killed outright in the ensuing gun battle. I don’t care what kind of training that you have, or how many guns you are carrying around; the reality is that you are not Rambo, and this situation isn’t Hollywood.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Minimizing these stark realities is a recipe for certain death. In the world of survivalism, a clear distinction must be made between survival and sustainment. Entertaining these morbid fantasies of heading to the woods and living off the land indefinitely may work for a time. But given human nature, and the violent tendencies of some people, it will be almost impossible to maintain the “Jeremiah Johnson” lifestyle in the way that many foolishly believe will offer them a sense of well-being and protection.

The first moment that a firearm is discharged, the resounding shot will echo across the miles; alerting everyone to your presence. Consequently; building primitive shelters, and laying out a trap line will be a viable solution after SHTF, but not during the event itself. The vast majority of people will be heading to the hills the moment that they are frightened enough by the crisis. Some of these people will be less than prepared. At some point, it is inevitable that their food supply will run out. Faced with the slow death of starvation; there should be no doubt what will necessitate their next actions. Reality dictates that they will at some point, find other hungry-starving people just like themselves. The situation has doubled in terms of danger, and the consequences is that survivalist will be facing not one or two thugs, but potentially several thugs that are rich in firepower and ammunition. This is a situation that must be avoided at all cost. The initial planning, and the gear that is utilized during the Bug Out phase will determine your chances of discovery.

It’s important to understand the basic and fundamental elements that will decide the fate of survivalists and their families. Over-reliance on technologies, and piss-poor planning will spell doom. Might as well stay at home and ride out the storm where there’s some level of familiarity and comfort. Out there in the deep woods you are alone, without help, and depending entirely upon your own skills and instinct. But—there are other people out there that have more experience, better gear and guns, and they might very well have some of their friends with them. Some of the people are former military, or life-long hunters that are used to stalking their prey. It might even end-up being an entire family roaming the woods. Some of the people that I have known for years are “Good Old’ Boys” from Dixie that grew-up in the woods. Trailing you back to camp, or sneaking up on you–is not going to be a problem for them. They’ve been doing that for years, and years.

Walk Quiet, and Sleep Light; are two key phrases that must be intuitively understood. Minimal gear, extra food and water, well planned routes, and a well-defined survival plan are the keys to surviving a SHTF scenario. Bringing your family along on this journey will add to the stress, burden, and responsibility that must be faced.

The use of firearms when SHTF is probably one of the most talked-about issues on the internet these days. In many cases, firearms sometimes rank higher than food supplies in some circles.

The trend in survival firearms has taken a radical right turn; instead of defensive weapons, many have turned towards assault rifles, and offensive weapons. It’s not uncommon to see survivalists wearing tactical gear, Kevlar helmets, ballistic vest, and sporting an assortment of battle-ready guns with multiple magazines of ammunition.

The problem with that is; it doesn’t leave much room for survival gear. Heading out into the woods with tactical gear, and preparing for a gun battle is okay if that is your mindset. But the reality is that all of that gear won’t help you one bit—when faced with multiple opponents. On the contrary, it will only serve to make their job easier because it’s hard to run wearing all of that gear.

When I train newbies out in the field, the rule is only carry the things that you will actually need, and replace everything else with food supplies. Nothing is as important as food—nothing!

One of the things that I attempt to have people understand, is that even though firearms are an integral part of any survival plan, they should not be the entire plan.

No matter what the weapon of choice is; it is necessary to first become intimate with the weapon. That means spending a lot of time at the range, shooting at various distances, and shooting during weather extremes. It takes hundreds of hours to “Become One” with your weapon. But when the honeymoon is over, you’ve got something in your hands that is both familiar and might provide for an extra edge if you are ever forced to shoot somebody down.

It really doesn’t matter the make or model of the rifle, what matters is the weight, the maneuverability, and whether or not you can hit what you are aiming at in any survival or weather condition. One of my more favorite weapons is an old Soviet battle rifle: The Mosin-Nagant M1944 7.62x54R bolt action rifle. The rifle is sometimes referred to as a “Russian .308”; and that would be a close description.

[ Mosin-44 Out in The Alaska Back Country ]

The Mosin-44 is a trusted old rifle that is still being used today in many parts of the world. Here in Alaska, these old rifles are found in the hands of Eskimo hunters, and homesteaders alike. It’s reputation and durability makes this a rifle that has earned its place by the people that count on it for their day to day existence.

I’ve owned and fired tons of weapons throughout the years. Some weren’t worth a plugged nickel, while others were worth their weight in gold. One of my more favorite defensive weapon is a Diamond Back .380 caliber handgun. It’s small size makes it an ideal carry-weapon,. It certainly doesn’t pack the same punch as a .45 ACP, but again—it’s all a matter of getting to know your weapon, as well as your own capabilities. What is amazing for this small caliber cartridge, is the penetration factor. As a primary combat weapon it’s all but useless due to to lack of energy; but up-close-personal, this weapon will do what’s asked of it.

[ DB-380 Semi-Auto Handgun ]

Survivalists should consider firearms as yet another tool that gets the job done. Over-reliance on weapons is the one problem that should be avoided. To me personally; a rifle that I carry in the bush has to be suited for hunting and defensive situations. The standard that I apply to myself is that I carry one rifle, and one handgun; perhaps if the situation requires it, I may also hump a folding-stock shotgun. But in my own survival plans, everyone in my group is armed, and even if it’s just my family and I tromping around in the bush—we all carry weapons.

When SHTF; protecting the family and yourself, as well as protecting your stockpile will require firearms that are capable of doing the job with little or no frills. A basic pump shotgun, an assault rifle, or even a bolt action rifle will make life miserable for those individuals who foolishly believe that a “force of arms” will feed them.

I much prefer the heavy caliber weapons such as the belted-magnums. There is no doubt in my mind that a .375 H&H magnum will punch right through ballistic armor. Subsequently, the .454-Casull Magnum will certainly eat bullet-proof vests everyday of the week.

Additionally; in the hands of an experienced shooter, the bolt action .308 caliber rifle loaded with deadly Armor Piercing ammunition is a force of nature unto itself. A determined shooter can far exceed the range and killing power of assault rifle wielding assailants.

When it comes to self-defense in a survival situation, it’s important to understand that if you are doing things correctly; nobody out there should see you, hear, you, or realize that you are in the area. When things go south, and you find yourself confronted with armed thugs, your best option is to get away as quickly as possible. Breaking contact might not sound very “Macho”; but I guarantee that you will not feel so Macho when one of your kids, or your mate is laying dead on the ground.

The darkness enters once again into the loneliness
that is the vestiges of my life.
A familiar feeling consuming me in its eternal
embrace, cloaking the light within my heart,
enveloping my soul in its damnation, and causing
tempest feelings to arise in defiance; as twilight
slips away into the darkness…another night spent in
your memories…..

Minute by minute I resist the longings. Minute by
minute I feebly oppose its cravings; hunger unabashed
in fury gnaws around the corners of my heart, seeking
fulfillment of something unattainable; desiring with
unequalled fury that which I cannot possess; that which you withhold from me…..

I stand here at the threshold of life; my eyes lifted towards heaven; screaming in utter defiance your name
to the winds; hearing the mocking cries of desperation; avowed to return to that place in time
where forth this insanity aroused me. Only silence returns to me…..

The days merge with the night; the clock ticks intestinally away; reminding me of the absolute
emptiness my life has become without you. A former shadow of myself prodding slowly upon the pathway of a
miserable existence; another shallow face in a crowd of strangers…..

I see your face in every reflection; hear the sweetness of your voice in the confines of my heart;
and recall with absolute clarity those special moments spent together. Moments forever engraved upon my very
soul, branding my being with a renewed lust for life…..

You have altered that which I was; changed the very foundation of all that was I…..

These pictures were taken by a Minuteman working on our southern borders to stem the flow of invaders from Mexico. The pictures should speak volumes about what is happening to this country by people that plainly don’t give a damned. if this contiues unchecked, the entire southern region will quickly become a third world country. This is disgusting and uncalled for.

My hat’s off to those of the minutemen that are risking their lives FOR FREE WITHOUT ANY FORM OF PAYMENT to do what the Federal Government CAN’T or WON’T do!